The Dixie Chicks [ tickets ] have launched a new partnership with Rock the Vote---dubbed "Chicks Rock, Chicks Vote!"--that is aimed at getting young people to register to vote on the web at Rock the Vote's website.

The Dixie Chicks will serve as spokespersons for the campaign, which will include public service announcements, a special website that will encourage young people to speak out and learn about all sides of the issues, and other activities designed to promote voter participation, particularly targeting young women.

Jermaine Jackson told the BBC that the Jackson 5--including Michael--are reuniting to record an album and tour. The five brothers last performed together two years ago during a concert celebrating Michael's 30 years in the music business.

In other Jackson news, Michael Jackson [ tickets ] is speaking out against the "Authors, Consumer and Computer Owners Protection and Security Act of 2003," a law proposed in the U.S. House that would make it a federal felony to illegally download a copyrighted work over the Internet.

"I am speechless about the idea of putting music fans in jail for downloading music," Jackson said in a statement. "It is wrong to illegally download, but the answer cannot be jail."

He also called on artists, the music industry and consumers to work together to find a solution to the problem of illegal downloading.

"Here in America we create new opportunities out of adversity, not punitive laws and we should look to new technologies, like Apple's new Music Store for solutions. This way innovation continues to be the hallmark of America. It is the fans that drive the success of the music business; I wish this would not be forgotten."

KISS [ tickets ] will make a rare in-store appearance on Wednesday (7/23) at the new Best Buy store at 86th and Lexington in New York City. The group, which is promoting its new album "KISS Symphony: Alive IV, will be at the store from 4-6 p.m. "to meet fans, take pictures and show everyone why they are still the best band in rock n' roll," according to a press release.